The goal of Operation Savannah Shield is to destroy kidnapping syndicates and terrorist networks in Kwara and neighboring Niger State.
At the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, the joint task force was operationalized by Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defense Staff.
Oluyede warned that “forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces hitherto exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens,” characterizing the mission as a purposeful effort to deny criminals freedom of action.
He warned that in order to safeguard people, property, and important agricultural areas, forces would carry out protracted clearance operations.
Asserting that security is still a shared duty, the defense chief also emphasized increased interagency cooperation and called on local leaders and citizens to supply reliable intelligence. He stated that Major General Yakubu Yahaya, the Theatre Commander, will be in charge of the joint area’s activities.
The deployment was deemed appropriate by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who expressed optimism that the operation would boost farming activities and rebuild public trust in the wake of growing security concerns in some areas of the state.
Stakeholders and high security officials attended the launch, which military officials said demonstrates a concerted national effort to combat insecurity.
